The NAICS code for cybersecurity depends on the service type. There is no single NAICS code named “cybersecurity.” Most cybersecurity businesses use NAICS code 541519 – Other Computer Related Services.
This code covers cybersecurity consulting, IT security support, risk assessment, penetration testing, and incident response.
Other related NAICS codes used for cybersecurity include 541512 for secure system design, 541511 for cybersecurity software development, and 513210 for software subscription or SaaS security products.
NAICS Code Cybersecurity
The NAICS code cybersecurity classification is used to identify businesses that provide cyber security and information technology services. There is no single NAICS code named only “cybersecurity.”
Most cyber security companies use NAICS code 541519 – Other Computer Related Services. This code covers services such as cyber security consulting, network protection, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, incident response, and IT support.
Some businesses may also use 541512 when their work focuses on secure system design and integration, or 541511 if they develop custom cyber security software. Companies offering subscription-based security software may use 513210 – Software Publishers.
NAICS Code Cybersecurity Services
Cybersecurity businesses need the correct NAICS code to classify their services for legal, tax, and government contracting purposes.
There isn’t a single code labeled strictly as “cybersecurity,” so companies select codes that best match their service offerings.
Most use 541519 – Other Computer Related Services, which includes services like cybersecurity consulting, network monitoring, incident response, vulnerability assessments, and IT support.
Some organizations may use 541512 – Computer Systems Design Services if they focus on designing and integrating secure IT systems.
Companies that develop custom cybersecurity software often select 541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services. Meanwhile, those providing subscription-based security platforms or SaaS solutions may use 513210 – Software Publishers.
How to Choose the Right NAICS Code for Cybersecurity
- Identify your main service – consulting, software, IT support, or managed security.
- Match to the most suitable NAICS code – e.g., 541519 for consulting, 541511 for software development.
- Add secondary codes if you provide multiple services.
- Use the code consistently on legal documents, contracts, and government forms.
- Proper classification helps businesses maintain credibility, access contracts, and accurately report their industry activities.
What Is the NAICS Code for Cyber Security?
The NAICS code for cyber security depends on the type of services a company provides. There is no single code labeled strictly “cybersecurity.”
Most businesses use 541519 – Other Computer Related Services, which includes cyber security consulting, network monitoring, IT support, vulnerability assessments, and incident response.
Companies focusing on designing secure IT systems may use 541512 – Computer Systems Design Services, while those developing custom security software often select 541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services.
Firms offering subscription-based security software or SaaS products use 513210 – Software Publishers. Choosing the correct NAICS code ensures proper business classification, legal compliance, accurate tax reporting, and eligibility for government contracts.
What Is the Difference Between NAICS Code 513210 and 511210?
NAICS 511210 was the older classification for software publishers, covering businesses that develop, license, and distribute software products.
With the 2022 NAICS update, this code was largely replaced by 513210, which is now the official classification for Software Publishers.
The change reflects updated industry standards and a clearer separation of software publishing from other IT services. 513210 includes companies that produce software for sale or licensing, subscription-based products (SaaS), and cloud-based applications.
The key difference is that 511210 is outdated, while 513210 aligns with the current NAICS 2022 standards. Businesses developing software, whether for cybersecurity, AI, or general IT purposes, should use 513210 for legal, financial, and contract documentation.
What Is NAICS Code 458210?
NAICS 458210 is not related to IT or cybersecurity. This code is for shoe retailers, specifically businesses engaged in selling new footwear to customers.
It includes physical retail stores and online stores that sell shoes. Retailers using this NAICS code are classified under consumer products and have no connection to IT services, software, or cyber security.
Including the wrong NAICS code can create legal and compliance issues, especially for tax reporting or government contracts. Businesses should carefully select NAICS codes that accurately reflect their primary operations.
Misclassification can cause problems with licensing, funding, and eligibility for certain programs. For IT and cybersecurity firms, codes like 541519, 541512, and 541511 are relevant, whereas 458210 applies only to footwear retail businesses.
What Is the Difference Between NAICS Code 541511 and 541512?
541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services is used by businesses that develop software applications tailored to client requirements.
This includes programming, coding, and creating software for cybersecurity, business applications, or other IT solutions. 541512 – Computer Systems Design Services is for businesses that focus on planning, designing, and integrating computer systems.
This may include IT system architecture, secure system implementation, and integration of hardware and software solutions. In short, 541511 is software-focused, while 541512 is system-focused.
Companies may use both codes if they develop software and design systems for clients. Choosing the correct code ensures proper classification, which is critical for government contracts, tax reporting, and business analytics.
NAICS Code for Cyber Security Consulting
NAICS code for cyber security consulting helps classify businesses providing cybersecurity advisory and IT security services.
The most commonly used code is 541519 – Other Computer Related Services, which covers consulting on network security, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, incident response, and disaster recovery planning.
Some firms also use 541512 – Computer Systems Design Services if they focus on integrating secure systems, or 541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services for developing specialized cybersecurity software.
Choosing the right NAICS code is essential for legal compliance, tax reporting, and government contracts. Many consulting companies list one primary NAICS code and additional secondary codes for specialized services.
NAICS Code Cybersecurity 2022
The NAICS code cybersecurity 2022 reflects the most recent industry classifications. Cybersecurity firms can select from multiple codes depending on the services they offer.
541519 remains the most popular code, covering advisory, IT support, and security monitoring services. Companies focusing on system design and integration may use 541512, while custom software development falls under 541511.
For subscription-based security software or SaaS platforms, 513210 – Software Publishers is applicable. The 2022 NAICS update clarifies service definitions and ensures consistent classification for government reporting, contracts, and statistical tracking.
Businesses must ensure their selected code aligns with the primary activities to avoid misclassification. Using the correct 2022 NAICS code supports participation in government contracting, improves industry analytics, and ensures compliance with legal and financial requirements.
NAICS Code for IT Consulting Services
The NAICS code for IT consulting services is used to classify businesses providing advice, planning, and implementation of IT systems.
Common codes include 541512 – Computer Systems Design Services, which covers IT infrastructure design and integration, and 541519 – Other Computer Related Services for general IT consulting.
541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services may apply if the firm develops software as part of consulting. Selecting the correct NAICS code is critical for tax reporting, legal compliance, and federal contract eligibility.
IT Support NAICS Code
The IT support NAICS code is used to classify businesses providing technical assistance, helpdesk services, network monitoring, and computer maintenance.
The most common code is 541519 – Other Computer Related Services, which includes troubleshooting, system updates, managed IT support, and cybersecurity monitoring.
Firms that manage entire IT systems for clients may also use 541513 – Computer Facilities Management Services. Selecting the correct NAICS code ensures compliance with legal regulations, proper reporting for taxes, and eligibility for government contracts.
NAICS Code for AI Consulting
The NAICS code for AI consulting classifies companies providing artificial intelligence strategy, development, and implementation services.
Many AI consulting firms use 541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services for AI software development, or 541519 – Other Computer Related Services for advisory and integration services.
Some may also use 541611 – Administrative Management & General Management Consulting Services if AI solutions focus on business strategy and operational improvements.
Information Technology NAICS Code
The information technology NAICS code is used to classify companies offering IT services, software development, and consulting.
Common NAICS codes include 541511 for custom software, 541512 for computer systems design, 541513 for IT infrastructure management, and 541519 for other computer-related services such as cybersecurity and IT support.
Many IT businesses use one primary code and several secondary codes to reflect a wide range of services, such as cloud hosting, managed IT, software development, and technical consulting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the correct NAICS code cybersecurity is crucial for businesses offering IT security, consulting, and software services.
Using the appropriate NAICS code, such as 541519 for cyber security consulting, 541512 for system design, 541511 for custom software, or 513210 for subscription-based software, ensures proper legal classification, tax compliance, and eligibility for government contracts.
Many companies also use secondary codes to reflect additional services like IT support, AI consulting, or managed security.
